My Inspiration: Naomi Kelly – Understudy

Naomi Kelly is a Leeds-born, North East-based singer-songwriter whose blend of indie, folk and pop has earned comparisons to Grace Petrie and Lucy Spraggan. With a DIY approach and sharp, unexpected lyrics, Naomi has progressed from open mics to sold-out headline shows and has just released their next single Understudy. 

Sonically, Understudy sees Naomi’s vocal tones shine over layered guitars and piano, with an Americana-tinged arrangement that builds a warm, immersive atmosphere.

Here, Naomi tells us about the inspirations behind the track…

Understudy first and foremost came out of my love of theatre- I’ve been acting in amateur dramatics groups for the best part of my life, and I wanted to write a song which included callbacks and references that are deeply rooted in that. Me being me, the song ended up being a really depressing one about always feeling second-best in a relationship, stepping in because the first option couldn’t make it. One of my favourite portions to the song is in the second verse where I talk about leaving the ghost light on- there’s a superstition about always having a light on in a theatre so the ghosts haunting the stage can see, and at my old theatre group (Leeds Children’s Theatre) some of us would say goodnight to the “ghost” as we left the building! Little nods back to what I love so much about the theatre make the song really special to me. 

I can’t say I go into writing with deliberate inspirations in mind, but almost everyone who’s ever heard me has compared my songwriting to Grace Petrie, and that’s just about one of the best compliments you can give me! I think I take inspiration from everyone around me, whether it’s friends sending me a text that spirals into a song lyric, or if it’s hearing an incredible musician live and being inspired to go home and write

In terms of recording, I had so many ideas going into this track- I was recording with the amazing Rich Huxley and it was the first time I’d worked on a full project in the studio, which meant we had endless options of where to go with the track. I’d toyed around with a few ideas for the song- cinematic swelling strings or a jazzy saxophone solo- but ultimately we landed on a sound much closer to how I’d play live (so much so that we ended up recording the vocals first try!) with a beautiful felt piano accompanying me. I was really into Lizzy McAlpine’s Older album at the time we were recording the song, and I think that comes through in the choice of a soft piano and a dreamy feel.  

I don’t usually play with a keyboardist, but at my Cluny 2 headline, I got the chance to play the song with Isabel Maria on keys, and it felt very special to let the audience hear how it sounds on the recording. I’m incredibly excited for everyone to hear the song when it’s out on September 26th!